Dominica Nears Clean Energy Milestone with December 2025 Geothermal Completion
In a significant stride towards renewable energy, Dominica is advancing the construction of a 10-megawatt geothermal power plant, positioning it as a leader in sustainable development within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The facility, located in Laudat in the Roseau Valley, is slated for completion by December 25, 2025.​
Harnessing Volcanic Potential
Dominica, often called the “Nature Isle,” is leveraging its volcanic landscape to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The geothermal plant aims to provide stable, clean energy to approximately 23,000 homes, marking a pivotal shift towards sustainability. Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating, “We are really on our way to constructing our 10-megawatt geothermal power plant. Currently, most of the equipment has been brought on-site. We had a vessel in port over a week ago.” ​
Regional Impact and OECS Initiatives
The commissioning of the Laudat plant is expected to be an early milestone in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development. Launched in February, this initiative aims to ensure that at least 30% of the region’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2035, with several member states pledging to achieve full green power by then. Dominica is among five OECS member states participating in the GEOBUILD Programme, which advances geothermal energy in the Eastern Caribbean, supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Construction Milestones
The project has reached critical milestones, including the installation of key infrastructure components. Dr. Henderson highlighted the recent setup of a substantial cooling system, describing it as a “huge radiator-type system with cooling towers at the top.” He noted that the construction of the metal frame occurred a few weeks prior, marking the installation of the heaviest part of the entire power plant. ​
Technical Collaboration
Ormat Technologies Inc., responsible for building and eventually operating the power plant, has been instrumental in the project’s advancement. Project Manager Amir Junger provided technical insights, stating, “All the structure has been assembled with the air coolers. We are assembling the fan rings with the fan motors and the fans part of the cooling system of the air-cooled condenser. Beneath you can see that we are pouring the foundation.”
Geothermal Energy Extraction
Geothermal power plants harness underground heat reservoirs by extracting steam or hot water to drive turbines, generating electricity. The used steam is condensed, and hot water is cooled before being reinjected underground to maintain the reservoir’s pressure and sustainability. This process provides a renewable, constant energy source with minimal environmental impact. ​
Adherence to Schedule
Despite recent rainy conditions, the project remains on schedule. Junger emphasized the team’s commitment, stating, “We are not stopping. The plan is to have the Commercial Operation Date on the 25th of December 2025. That’s the plan. We are doing all the efforts, keeping the schedule on a weekly basis, monitoring things, planning ahead.” ​
Infrastructure Integration
Collaborative efforts include working with Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) to ensure power readiness and coordination with Kalpataru Projects International Development Company, an Indian firm responsible for building the transmission network. The company will construct ten kilometers of transmission lines with substations starting from Laudat into Fond Cole, where the power will be integrated into the national grid.
A Regional Benchmark
Guadeloupe’s Bouillante plant, operational since 1983, currently supplies 15MW with planned expansion to 45MW. Dominica’s Laudat power plant represents a significant investment in the nation’s sustainable energy future, supported by international partners, including the World Bank and the CDB, and involving strategic collaboration with the OECS Commission, among other regional and international entities. ​
As Dominica moves closer to realizing this geothermal project, it sets a precedent for renewable energy initiatives within the Caribbean, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and energy independence.
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